Hi everyone I need help replacing a convertible top. I got the replacement but I can't seem to remove the old torn up one. Is there a set of instructions out there I could get my hands on. Thanks again.

 

Get your hands on a factory service manual. If you can't find an rx7club thread with one posted, then Google it. The body section is where you'll find it.

 

I just got a new top for mine also. Mazda has 24 hours of labor on the books for removal and replacement. I'm not sure if that includes the window. But it really looks like a pain in the ***. I will be starting it next weekend. Get a friend to help you, and bring beer.

 

My thread from the sticky:
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/convertible-top-replacement-finished-503149/

How to that I used from V8RX7Forum:
http://www.v8rx7forum.com/v8-rx7-tec...ement-how.html

How to rope in a window:
http://www.jeepbrokers.com/jeep_proj...eplacement.htm

Factory service manuals: http://www.cochran-racing.com/FSM/index.html

My personal advice:

Use the FSM to know how to remove the interior trim so you don't break it up. Get a good trim removal tool. Any parts store has them The one you want looks like this:

http://www.fine-tools.co.uk/Merchant...egory_Code=031


Gather up all the adhesives that are listed in the first link.

If you are not on a budget. order a new window gasket from blackdragon auto. It will cost you about $100, but trust me, it is worth it. The single hardest part of the job is digging the dried window mastic out of the window trim. I spent hours and hours.

Good luck and go slow.

 

I started mine on a Friday and had the top on by Sunday. I did not put the window in until later that week. The window probally took my 3-4 hours. I did not spend every minute working on the top but it took quite some time to do it. I did not have any reference materials but I had installed a top many years ago on a C4 Corvette. Give yourself an entire weekend and go slow so you don't make a mistake. If you cut the window wrond you will ruin the top. I have seen 2 quotes on labor. One was $400 and the other was $500.

 

How long do these tops last? I've been thinking about replacing mine, but I'm not too sure it'd be worth it if it only lasts a few years before tearing again.

 

The OE top material lasts for 10 yrs+. My OEM top was replaced at 16 years and was pretty ripped up and brittle. The replacements should last a similar time.

I think the life of the top fabric is a different issue from whether or not it will tear down by the pockets. My new (1.5 year old) top strains at the pockets every time it goes up and down, unless I help it a little. I see the stitches pulling at the back of the pocket. Now I help it by arranging the fabric so it won't pull as it goes down. This is not a fitment issue, it is a design issue. As the top roll bar tilts back, the fabric will bunch up as it settles. The back of the bar will grip the fabric and pull the back of the pocket. I merely let the top back to 45* angle, then give a little tug to each side of the fabric out so it doesn't bunch. The top then goes down without any tension or pressure on the stitching. I am pretty sure that if I didn't do this eventually it will either pull the stitching out or rip the cloth. This procedure takes maybe an extra 30 seconds when I put the top down. It's worth it to protect the top.